Hillsdale County Fair receives grant from state

Monday

Feb 25, 2013 at 8:55 AMFeb 25, 2013 at 8:55 AM

By Matt Durr

matt.durr@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE — A grant awarded to the Hillsdale County Fair will help with renovations of the Rabbit, Poultry and Barnyard Children Project in time for the 2013 fair. The fair was awarded $12,273 by the state this week to help with the renovations.“Its extremely exciting for the fair. This is the first time in several years that funding opportunities from the state have been available for fairs,” said Scott Dow, manager of the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds.Dow said the grant will be used to finish a roofing project on the building that was started a few years ago, as well as improving the electrical system and some cosmetic updates. The building will also be available for other uses during the summer once the improvements are finished.“The Hillsdale Fairgrounds has 38 buildings on the property and anytime that we can receive outside funding to help improve our facilities, it’s a definite bonus,” Dow said.He added that by receiving money from the state, the fair can use their own funds to improve other areas of the fair. With buildings on the grounds that are nearly 150 years old, those others funds can be used to help maintain the historic integrity of the fairgrounds according to Dow.The Hillsdale County Fair is one of 21 county fairs out of 61 that applied, to receive the grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Development. In order to qualify for the grant, a fair had to be incorporated since 1855 or county owned and operated since 1929. They also had to submit proper year-end reports for the past two years.“On behalf of the fair board we appreciate the support of the state. This grant was well received in the fair community and we feel very fortunate to be one of those that received a grant this year,” Dow said.